DE102018103796A1 - Fixing element for LED strips in grooves - Google Patents

Abstract

A fastener (18) serves to fasten LED light strips (13) in grooves (12). In order to make the assembly more independent of dimensional deviations and to achieve a more accurate positioning of the LED light strip (13) in the groove (12), it is proposed that the fastening element (18) is designed as a profile element, one or more parts substantially extending over the length of the LED strip (13), the profile element having first attachment means (28) for securing the profile element in the groove (12) and second attachment means (40) having an elastically resilient receptacle (44) for the LED Forming light strips (13).

Description

The invention relates according to the preamble of claim 1, a fastener for attaching LED lighting strips in grooves. The subject of the present invention is also a metal profile with a groove and an LED light strip arranged therein as well as a sun protection system in which such a profile is used for illumination purposes.

It is known for example from the WO 14/063038 A2 in that an LED strip is inserted into a groove, which is subsequently closed with a transparent cover. Incidentally, a groove in the sense of this application is also understood to mean a slotted or unilaterally open chamber of a profile, and not just a channel incorporated in full material. Similar solutions are out of the box BE 10 16 946 AD, the EP 2 749 709 A1 or the EP 916 781 A1 known. Under LED light strips can be understood the ribbon-like, flexible printed circuit boards directly or with silicone or plastic molded LED light strips, which may have a strip-like design.

A disadvantage of all solutions is that always first the LED light strip must be mounted in the groove and then, at least for a visually appealing design, the groove must be closed with the cover strip.

The problem here is also that the LED light strips have extremely inaccurate dimensions and can have significant deviations. This makes it difficult to fall below the expected level exact positioning in the groove, which can lead to visually very disturbing drop shadow, while exceeding the assembly under certain circumstances, no more mounting is possible, especially if a strip-shaped LED light strip over its entire length must be fed into an undercut Kedernut. It can also be used only a certain size of LED light strips, for which the dimension of the recording in the groove is suitable.

The object of the present invention is to provide a fastener that allows easier and accurate mounting of an LED strip in a groove.

Main features of the invention are specified in the characterizing part of claim 1. Embodiments are the subject of claims 2 to 10. The claims 11 to 15 indicate metal profiles with a fastener according to the invention, while claim 16 has a sun protection system with such a metal profile to the object.

According to the invention the object is achieved in that the fastening element is designed as a profile element which extends in one or more parts substantially over the length of the LED light strip, wherein the profile element has first fastening means for securing the profile element in the groove and second fastening means which form an elastically resilient receptacle for the LED light strip.

Due to the double-formed fastening means, it is possible to first set the LED light strip on the fastener, the elastically resilient design of recording dimensional tolerances of the light strips can compensate. Subsequently, the fastener is mounted in conjunction with the LED light strip in the groove, with an exact positioning of the LED light strip is achieved in the groove by the mutually defined fasteners.

While it is in principle possible to install an already protected for example by a potting LED strip lights in the groove without further measures, it is to achieve a better optical effect and to protect the LED strip from pollution preferred that the fastener a translucent cover for Closing the groove has. The cover can be made transparent or opaque, which of course also certain color can be implemented.

Particularly preferred embodiments are those in which the first and / or second fastening means are integrally formed on the cover part. For example, the fastening profiles can then even be manufactured in one piece at low cost as a plastic extrusion profile, if the first and second fastening means are integral parts of the fastening element. The profile is then cut to length in the desired length of one strand. The fastening means are then usually over the entire length of the fastener, which may well represent a further advantage because of the large-scale effect.

The first and / or second fastening means are preferably designed as clamping and / or locking elements.

For example, the first fastening means may have resilient locking means for snapping behind projections on lateral groove flanks. Such a spring action can be readily achieved even with an elastic plastic, with a corresponding profile shape of the groove flanks usually means no special manufacturing effort.

A preferred constructive development can provide that the first fastening means comprise two spaced, elastically yielding legs which are attached or integrally formed on the cover part. This solution can also be easily realized by means of plastic extrusion

Preferably, it is further provided to arrange the second fastening means between the two legs of the first fastening means and to form the receptacle there. Thus, the recording is under optimal use of space between the legs anyway to be provided.

It is particularly advantageous to design the second fastening means as resilient tabs which are attached or formed on the ends of the legs facing away from the cover part or on the cover part. This creates the elastically expandable recording without further spring elements. The spring tabs jam the LED light bar between them, whereby they can yield resiliently when using a wider bar.

An advantageous development of the fastening element can provide that punctiform or linear projections are provided on the inner sides of the tabs of the second fastening means. Although these do not hinder the insertion of the strip between the spring tabs, but prevent it by hooking with the edges of the light strip, that this can slip after insertion.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the second fastening means (40) have undercuts, behind which the LED light strips can be latched. Due to the undercuts, a form-fitting hold of the LED light strips is achieved at the wide attachment means. The undercut may be defined by a heel e.g. be achieved in the spring tabs, by a corresponding curve curvature without pronounced heel or by a soft coating, with which with the LED light strip by toothing effects and / or by increasing the stiction an increased holding force is constructed against pulling.

The insertion of the LED strip into the receptacle is preferably limited by the fact that the underside of the cover is designed as a plant for a LED light strip.

The subject of the present invention is also a metal profile with at least one longitudinal groove, in which a fastening element according to one of the preceding claims is arranged with an LED light strip held thereon. Such upgraded metal profile can be used for lighting in a variety of applications and be designed, for example, as a component of a sunshade.

The metal profile has to form a latching connection with the fastening element, preferably on at least one side wall of the groove, one or more projections, behind which the first fastening means of the fastening element are latched. In particular, in the case of a metal profile designed as an extruded profile, the protrusions can easily be formed continuously over the entire length, so that they can co-operate with the first fastening means over a large area.

In a preferred embodiment of the metal profile, the projections may serve for the cover part to rest on the projections of the groove formed on both sides, wherein the cover part preferably closes the groove flush.

As an application example, a sun protection system with a metal profile according to the invention is to be emphasized at this point.

• 1 einen Querschnitt durch ein Strangpressprofil mit einem in einer Nut befestigten LED-Leuchtstreifen nach dem Stand der Technik;
• 2 einen Querschnitt einer anderen Ausführungsform eines Strangpressprofils nach dem Stand der Technik;
• 3 einen Teil-Querschnitt einer erfindungsgemäßen Lösung eines Strangpressprofils mit einem Befestigungselement und einem darin gehaltenen LED-Leuchtstreifen;
• 4 einen Teil-Querschnitt des Strangpressprofils und Befestigungselements nach 3 mit einem größer dimensionierten LED-Leuchtstreifen;
• 5 einen Querschnitt des gesamten Strangpressprofils mit einem mittels eines Befestigungselements in einer Nut gehaltenen LED-Leuchtstreifen entsprechend 3;
• 6 bis 11 Querschnitte von weiteren Ausführungsformen von Befestigungselementen.

Further features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the wording of the claims and from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. Show it:

• 1 a cross section through an extruded profile with a groove mounted in the LED light strip according to the prior art;
• 2 a cross section of another embodiment of an extruded profile according to the prior art;
• 3 a partial cross-section of a solution according to the invention of an extruded profile with a fastener and an LED light strip held therein;
• 4 a partial cross-section of the extruded profile and fastener after 3 with a larger sized LED light strip;
• 5 a cross-section of the entire extruded profile with a held by a fastener in a groove LED light strip accordingly 3 ;
• 6 to 11 Cross sections of further embodiments of fasteners.

In 1 and 2 First, two solutions are presented, which are known from the prior art. In 1 is an extruded profile as an example of a metal profile 110 shown that a precisely dimensioned groove 112 as a receptacle for a LED light strip 114 has. The inserted LED light strip 114 is arranged in such a way that a conductor strip equipped with the actual LEDs is covered with transparent silicone, so that the light strip as a whole is flexible (not shown in detail). One with the extruded profile 110 latched cover profile 116 , which consists of a transparent or opaque plastic, secured the light strip 114 in his recording 112 , The problem is that with the smallest deviations of the light strip is no longer mountable, since he either no longer fits into the recording and then deformed or damaged by forcible pressing or is held at a Maßunterschreitung not defined in the recording. In this case, there is a faulty light emission.

At the in 2 shown embodiment is in an extruded profile 210 an undercut groove 212 formed, which has a much larger cross section than the LED light strip arranged therein 214 having. Nevertheless, however, the opening slot 215 narrower than the LED light strip 214 , This ensures that the light strip does not come out of the groove 212 but it makes it necessary to the LED light strip 214 in the manner of a welt in the groove 212 feed from the front end. Nevertheless, there is no defined hold in the groove 212 so that the light emission is impaired. Again, dimensional deviations are noticeable by the fact that the assembly is more difficult in case of exceeding the measure or below the precision of the arrangement of the LED light strip 214 in the groove 212 is further deteriorated. The covering profile, which is usually still to be attached in the final version, follows in the embodiment 2 Not shown.

In 3 to 5 a solution according to the invention is shown in which in a groove 12 an extruded profile 10 an LED light strip 13 ( 3 ) or 14 ( 4 ) by means of a fastener 18 is attached. The groove 12 is by two lateral projections 20 formed with an undercut, wherein the projections 20 over the entire length of the extruded profile 10 with a distance from the opening of the groove 12 and at a distance from the bottom of the groove 12 are arranged. The rest of the shape of the extruded profile is determined by its intended use as end profile on the Behangende a sun protection system (not shown), which is not the subject of the present invention.

The fastener 18 is manufactured as a plastic extrusion profile from a translucent plastic. There are also co-extruded profile versions possible, which only in the range of a cover 16 are translucent. The use of completely transparent, but also opaque and / or colored plastics is possible. The outside of the cover 16 may have a lens-like expression for directing the light, which is not realized in the embodiment shown.

In the embodiment shown, the cover is located 16 with lateral support points 22 on the tops 24 the projections 20 on, wherein the wall thickness of the cover 16 the distance of the tops 24 the projections 20 for opening the groove 12 corresponds so that it through the cover flush with the outer surface 26 of the extruded profile 10 is closed.

The fastener 18 has first attachment means 28 for fastening the fastener 18 in the groove 12 as a latching leg 30 at a distance from the edges of the cover 16 are integrally formed on the underside. Due to the elasticity of the material, the fastener 18 also gives overall advantageous flexibility, locking lugs can 32 with run-on slopes 34 at the ends of the locking legs 32 when pressing the fastener 18 in the groove 12 by bending the locking legs 30 dodge, with the locking lugs then under the projections 20 engage. positioning bevels 36 lie at lower edges 38 the projections on, so that the fastener 18 with the support points 22 his cover part 16 against the tops 24 the projections 20 without play.

The fastener 18 also has second attachment means 40 , which are called lamellar, springy tabs 42 at the ends of the locking legs 30 are formed. The spring tabs 42 form a recording between themselves 44 for a LED light strip 13 . 14 , wherein the size of the receptacle is flexible by the bending elasticity of the spring tabs. In the initial state are the spring tabs 42 Sprung with facing ends in the receptacle 44 , When plugging in an LED strip 13 then soften accordingly, with the spring tabs elastic on side edges 45 . 46 the LED light strip 13 . 14 create and jam them. The insertion path is limited by an upper side 47 , 48 of the respective LED strip to the underside 50 of the cover part 16 invests.

At the mutually facing inner sides of the spring tabs are still small ribs 52 Molded, holding the LED strip light 13 . 14 improve by clawing with the potting material of the luminous strip or a pronounced edge.

From the comparison of 3 and Fig. 4 can be clearly seen that the fastener 18 , which in both cases in the initial state has an identical shape, very different formats of LED light strips 13 . 14 can adapt so that not only surprising deviations have no effect on the quality of the assembly more but also different sizes of LED Leuchtstreifen13, 14 with one and the same fastener 18 in a groove 12 can be mounted. The spring tabs 42 always center the light strip in the groove center and position it in contact with the underside of the cover 16 , so that optimal light emission is guaranteed.

In 6 to 11 are embodiments of fasteners 18 shown where spring tabs 242 . 342 . 442 . 542 and 642 modified in various ways to the support of the LED strip 14 continue to improve. The improved grip is achieved either by undercuts or changes in the surface texture, which will be briefly discussed below. Because the changes compared to the in 3 to 5 shown fastener 18 concern only the spring tabs, otherwise unchanged parts have been provided with the same reference numerals. The statements made above the description apply accordingly.

In 6 and 7 are the spring tabs 242 . 342 each with a paragraph 243 . 343 formed so that the heels form the undercuts. These ensure that the spring tabs can snap in when inserting the LED strip behind it. By snapping it can also be achieved that the LED bar 14 from below under the action of the spring tabs 242 . 342 is pressed against the transparent cover, so that there is a particularly good alignment.

At the in 6 embodiment shown are the spring tabs 242 formed as a hollow profile with a cavity 245, whereby the areas below the paragraphs 243 are additionally amplified, while in the embodiment according to 7 the spring tabs 342 Z-shaped.

In 8th an embodiment is shown in which the spring tabs 442 have a curve curvature 443, which forms the undercut. This results in a less sudden engagement of the LED strip 14 but rather a sliding into the final position.

A less pronounced undercut results in a curve curvature 643 the spring tabs 642 , as in the embodiment according to 10 and 11 are realized. The spring travel when snapping is designed here considerably smaller, which, for example, benefits when the LED light strip 14 to be removed from the fastener. 10 shows the fastener with built-LED LED strip 14 while in 11 the same fastener without LED light strip is shown. Good to see are the compared to 10 Sprung spring tabs 642 ,

In 9 Finally, an embodiment of a fastener is shown, the spring tabs 542 in their basic structure the spring tabs 42 the in 3 to 5 shown embodiment correspond. In contrast to these are the spring tabs but with a coating 543 provided, which consists of rubber or another soft, rubber-like material. The inserted LED light strip 14 is interlocked with the coating, so that yes here after geometry of the spring tabs 542 and the LED light strip 14 Undercut effects can occur through toothing. In either case, the material increased the frictional forces against loosening the LED light strip 14 ,

The fastener can be adapted for almost all types of grooves, which need not necessarily be performed in a metal profile. If latching is not possible, the fastener can be clamped with appropriately designed first fasteners against the side groove walls.

The invention is accordingly not limited to one of the above-described embodiments, but can be modified in many ways.

All of the claims, the description and the drawings resulting features and advantages, including design details, spatial arrangements and method steps may be essential to the invention both in itself and in various combinations.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

Extruded

12

groove

13, 14

LED light strips

16

cover

18

fastener

20

projections

22

support points

24

Topsides (tabs)

26

Outer surface (of the extruded profile)

28

first fastening means

30

latching leg

32

locking lugs

34

chamfers

36

positioning bevels

38

Bottom edges (of the projections)

40

second fastening means

42

spring shackles

44

admission

45, 46

Side flanks (the LED light strip)

47, 78

Tops (the LED light strips)

50

Bottom (of the cover)

52

ribs

110, 210

Extruded

112, 212

groove

114, 214

LED light strips

116

Cover

215

opening slot

242, 342, 442, 542, 642

spring shackles

243, 343

paragraphs

443, 643

curvatures

543

Coating of spring tabs

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 14/063038 A2 [0002]
• BE 1016946 [0002]
• EP 2749709 A1 [0002]
• EP 916781 A1 [0002]

Claims (20)

Fastening element for fastening LED light strips (13, 14) in grooves (12), characterized in that the fastening element (18) is designed as a profile element, which is in one or more parts substantially over the length of the LED light strip (13, 14), the profile element having first attachment means (28) for securing the tread element in the groove (12) and second attachment means (40) forming an elastically resilient receptacle (44) for the LED light strip (13, 14). Fastener after Claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a translucent cover member (16) for closing the groove (12). Fastener after Claim 2 , characterized in that the first and / or second fastening means (28, 40) on the cover part (16) are integrally formed. Fastening element according to one of Claims 1 to 3 , characterized in that the first and / or second fastening means (28, 40) are designed as clamping and / or latching elements. Fastener after Claim 4 , characterized in that the first fastening means (28) have resilient latching means (30, 32) for snapping behind projections (20) on lateral groove flanks. Fastening element according to one of Claims 3 to 5 characterized in that the first attachment means (28) comprise two spaced, resilient legs (32) attached or molded to the cover member (16). Fastener after Claim 6 , characterized in that the second fastening means (40) between the two legs (32) of the first fastening means (28) are arranged and form there the receptacle (44). Fastener after Claim 7 , characterized in that the second fastening means are designed as resilient tabs (42) which are attached to the cover (16) facing away from the ends of the legs (30) or on the cover (16) or formed. Fastener after Claim 8 , characterized in that on the inner sides of the tabs (42) of the second fastening means (40) point or line-shaped projections (52) are provided. Fastening element according to one of Claims 2 to 9 , characterized in that the underside (50) of the cover (16) is formed as a contact for an LED light strip (13, 14) and forms a boundary of the receptacle (44). Fastening element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second fastening means (40) have undercuts, behind which the LED lighting strips (14) can be latched. Fastening element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the undercuts are formed as shoulders (243; 343) or curved curves (443; 643) on the spring straps (242; 342; 442; 642). Fastening element according to one of Claims 8 to 12 , characterized in that the spring tabs (542) in the contact area with the LED light strips (14) have a coating (543), which increases the holding force. Metal profile with at least one longitudinal groove, (12), in which a fastening element (18) according to one of the preceding claims with an LED light strip (13, 14) held thereon is arranged. Metal profile after Claim 14 , characterized in that at least one side wall of the groove (12) one or more projections (20) are provided behind which the first fastening means (28) of the fastening element (18) are latched. Metal profile after Claim 14 or 15 , characterized in that the cover member (16) rests on the projections (20) of the groove (12) formed on both sides. Metal profile according to one of the Claims 14 to 16 , characterized in that the cover part (16) closes the groove (12) flush. Metal profile according to one of the Claims 14 to 17 , characterized in that it is designed as an extruded profile (10). Metal profile according to one of the Claims 14 to 18 , characterized in that it is designed as a component of a sunshade system. Sun protection system with a metal profile after Claim 19 ,

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